Everything has to be done for a reason, and everything has to be done to make sense in terms of running a proper business today, and it's not just about the food.

Pressure's healthy. It becomes stressful when you can't handle that. I mean, if you don't want to become pressurized in this environment, then don't be a chef.

Initially let your food do the talking. You'll be surprised how far you go in a short period of time.

The minute you start compromising for the sake of massaging somebody's ego, that's it, game over.

There's a side to reality TV that is part education, as well. I've seen that since doing "MasterChef Junior," in terms of the effect it has on the confidence given these young kids from 8 to 13, a quality life skill. Even if they never pursue cooking as a job or a career, just learning how to cook for yourself sets you up in a good place.

I love eating out. I don't deny that. But I don't want 12 or 15 courses because the chef wants me to taste this or taste that. I just want to be able to decide.

I was a naturally aggressive left-back, a cut-throat tackler.